Hornbills are spectacular birds and hard to miss. With their large, yellow-colored beaks, hornbills are easy to spot and are a bird photographer’s delight. Dandeli in Karnataka is the most popular place to spot hornbills.
India is home to about 9 species of hornbills. While at Dandeli, you are likely to see all 4 species of south Indian Hornbills viz Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Great Hornbill, and Indian Grey Hornbill.
Where to spot Hornbills in Dandeli:
Spotting Hornbills requires lots of patience, a bit of luck, and a bit of local knowledge. Old Magazine House at Ganeshgudi and Kali Adventure Camp at Dandeli, both operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd conducts treks/bird watching walks during which the probability of spotting a hornbill is high. Staying in a homestay and exploring around with help from your host will also give you a chance of spotting hornbills.
Haliyal is a town in Uttara Kannada popular for Mallikarjuna Temple and fort, Sri Rama, Dattatreya, Maruti, Pete Basaveshwara, and Venkataramana Temples, six mosques, three Durgahs, a Roman Catholic Church, and the tomb of Haider Shah. Haliyal is 50 km from Hubballi and 150 km from Karwar.
Hornbill Festival:
The most awaited hornbill festival is held in February. The festival includes birding walks and many more exciting activities, especially for bird watchers and enthusiasts.